Anschluss or Invasion?

13 March 1937 - Austria's government was overthrown Friday by Pro-German political forces in Vienna who transferred sovereignty of their nation over to Germany. Wermacht troops entered the former nation today to assure order in the aftermath of the fall of Kurt Schuschnigg's government.

The Foreign Secretary had met with Germany's Foreign Minister March 11 to discuss the German occupation which many have dubbed an invasion. The meeting was said to be cordial and amicable when discussing the Austrian situation and possibility of union between Germany and Austria, though the Foreign Secretary did offer protest. Despite Baldwin's government being against union of Germany and Austria, the Foreign Secretary was quoted as saying, "200 years ago Scotland had joined England in much the same way, and that this would not be much different."

Austrian support for German occupation and future union has been overwhelming: droves of citizens coming out to garland the incoming German troops, waving Nazi flags and wishing them welcome.

In response to many reservations throughout the continent, the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler, has stated he will hold a nationwide plebscite allowing the Austrian people to decide whether or not they wish to validate union with their northern brothers.

SOURCE: The Times